slavery

[ sley-vuh-ree, sleyv-ree ]
/ ˈsleɪ və ri, ˈsleɪv ri /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR slavery ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the condition of a slave; bondage.
the keeping of slaves as a practice or institution.
a state of subjection like that of a slave: He was kept in slavery by drugs.
severe toil; drudgery.

Origin of slavery

First recorded in 1545–55; slave + -ery

SYNONYMS FOR slavery

1 thralldom, enthrallment. Slavery, bondage, servitude refer to involuntary subjection to another or others. Slavery emphasizes the idea of complete ownership and control by a master: to be sold into slavery. Bondage indicates a state of subjugation or captivity often involving burdensome and degrading labor: in bondage to a cruel master. Servitude is compulsory service, often such as is required by a legal penalty: penal servitude.
4 moil, labor.
SEE SYNONYMS FOR slavery ON THESAURUS.COM

OTHER WORDS FROM slavery

pre·slav·er·y, adjective, noun

Words nearby slavery

slave-making ant, slaveholder, slaveling, slavenska, slaver, slavery, slavey, slavic, slavicism, slavicist, slavish

Words related to slavery

bondage, labor, enslavement, servitude, captivity, serfdom, subjugation, enthrallment, thralldom, restraint, work, thrall, grind, drudgery, indenture, drudge, toil, subjection, peonage, feudalism

Example sentences from the Web for slavery

British Dictionary definitions for slavery

slavery
/ (ˈsleɪvərɪ) /

noun

the state or condition of being a slave; a civil relationship whereby one person has absolute power over another and controls his life, liberty, and fortune
the subjection of a person to another person, esp in being forced into work
the condition of being subject to some influence or habit
work done in harsh conditions for low pay